Display device and method for inspection thereof

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a display area configured to include a plurality of pixels and a plurality of data lines connected to the pixels. A hole area is disposed within the display area. A hole crack detection line is disposed adjacent to the hole area and surrounds the hole area. The device includes first and second detection lines which include first and second detection transfer lines and first and second detection receiving lines, respectively. A test controller electrically connects the first detection receiving line to a first data line and the second detection receiving line to a second data line. Pixels connected to the first data line that is connected to a first bright-line transistor and pixels connected to the second data line that is connected to a second bright-line transistor are configured to emit light when a crack occurs in the hole crack detection line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/213,355 filed on Mar. 26, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/669,734 filed on Oct. 31, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,004,371 issued on May 11, 2021, which claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0133764, filedon Nov. 2, 2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entiretiesherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and amethod for inspection thereof, and more particularly to a display deviceincluding a display panel having a hole formed therein and a method forinspection thereof.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

A display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organiclight emitting diode display (OLED) includes a display panel having aplurality of pixels that are configured to display an image and aplurality of signal lines. Each pixel may include a pixel electrode forreceiving a data signal. The pixel electrode may be connected to atleast one transistor to receive the data signal. The display panel mayinclude a plurality of stacked layers.

When a display panel is impacted, cracks may be formed on a substrate oron the stacked layers. The cracks may grow over time or spread to otherlayers or other regions, which can lead to poor display panel quality.For example, a signal line such as a data line or a scan line may bedisconnected by the cracks or may increase in resistance, and moisturemay penetrate into the display panel through the cracks, therebyreducing element reliability. As a result, various problems such aspixels of the display panel not emitting light, pixels erroneouslyemitting light, and the like may occur.

In particular, recently developed flexible displays may be configured tobe curved or bent during manufacture or use. Therefore, even when thesubstrate or stacked layers of the display panel include relativelyminute cracks, the minute cracks may develop into larger cracks due tothe curving or bending of the display panel.

Devices such as a camera, a flash, a speaker, and an optical sensor maybe disposed in a display area of the display device in order to minimizethe non-display area on a front surface of the display device and tomaximize the display area to the entire front surface. For example, ahole can be formed in a display panel by punching, and a camera, aflash, a speaker, a photosensor, etc. may be mounted in the hole. Cracksmay occur during a process of forming the hole in the display panel, orcracks may occur in a portion exposed by the hole.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a display deviceand a method for inspection thereof which detects cracks that may occurin a display panel having a hole formed therein.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display deviceincludes a display area that includes a plurality of pixels and aplurality of data lines connected to the pixels. A hole area is disposedwithin the display area. A hole crack detection line is disposedadjacent to the hole area. The hole crack detection line surrounds thehole area and has a first end and a second end that are separated fromeach other. A first detection line includes a first detection transferline connected to the first end of the hole crack detection line and afirst detection receiving line connected to the second end of the holecrack detection line. A second detection line includes a seconddetection transfer line connected to the first end of the hole crackdetection line and a second detection receiving line connected to thesecond end of the hole crack detection line. A test controller isconfigured to electrically connect the first detection receiving line toa first data line of the plurality of data lines and the seconddetection receiving line to a second data line of the plurality of thedata lines.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method forinspection of a display device that includes a display area including aplurality of pixels and a plurality of data lines connected with thepixels is provided. The method includes applying a first test voltage toa first detection line, the first detection line being connected to ahole crack detection line that is disposed adjacent to a hole areadisposed in a display area of the display device. A second test voltageis applied to a second detection line which is connected with the holecrack detection line. The first detection line is electronicallyconnected to a first data line of the plurality of data lines through afirst bright-line transistor. The second detection line is electricallyconnected to a second data line of the plurality of data lines through asecond bright-line transistor.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for inspection of a display deviceincluding a plurality of pixels and a hole area disposed in the displayarea is provided. The method includes emitting light by a plurality ofpixels included in a first bright line and a second bright line that areelectrically connected to a hole crack detection line disposed adjacentto the hole area and surrounds the hole area. The first bright line andthe second bright line are disposed at a central portion of the displayarea.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display device takenalong a line of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram showing a test controller includedin the display device of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a timing diagram showing an inspecting methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C show examples of test results displayed in thedisplay area when a test voltage is applied to the display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of a display device according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display device takenalong a line VII-VII′ of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit diagram showing a test controller includedin the display device of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 shows examples of test results displayed in the display area whena test voltage is applied to the display device of FIG. 6 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top plan view showing a display panel cut along aperforated line in the display device of FIG. 6 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. As thoseskilled in the art would realize, the described exemplary embodimentsmay be modified in various different ways, without departing from thespirit or scope of the present invention.

To clearly describe the present invention, parts that are irrelevant tothe description are omitted, and like numerals refer to like or similarconstituent elements throughout the specification.

Further, since sizes and thicknesses of constituent members shown in theaccompanying drawings are arbitrarily given for better understanding andease of description, exemplary embodiments of the present invention arenot limited to the illustrated sizes and thicknesses. In the drawings,the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may beexaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, for better understanding andease of description, the thicknesses of some layers and areas may beexaggerated.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film,region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, theelement may be directly on the other element or intervening elements mayalso be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on” another element, there are no intervening elementspresent. Further, the word “over” or “on” means positioning on or belowthe object portion, and does not necessarily mean positioning on theupper side of the object portion.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word“comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will beunderstood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not theexclusion of any other elements.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, and an inspectingmethod of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the display deviceincludes a display panel 100A including a display area DA, a peripheralarea PA, and a hole area HA. The display panel 100A may include asubstrate 110. The substrate 110 may be divided into the display area DAand the peripheral area PA.

The display area DA is an area in which an image may be displayed. Thedisplay area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX and a plurality ofsignal lines arranged on a plane parallel to a first direction D1 and asecond direction D2. The first direction D1 may be perpendicular to thesecond direction D2.

The signal lines includes a plurality of gate lines 121 that areconfigured to transfer gate signals and a plurality of data lines 171that are configured to transfer data signals. In an exemplaryembodiment, the plurality of gate lines 121 may extend generally in thefirst direction D1 and may be parallel to each other. The data lines 171may extend generally in the second direction D2 and may be parallel toeach other. The gate lines 121 and the data lines 171 may cross eachother in the display area DA.

Each of the pixels PX may include at least one switching element and apixel electrode connected thereto. For example, a pixel PX in theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a switching element TRaand a pixel electrode 191. The switching element may be connected to atleast one gate line 121 and at least one data line 171. The switchingelement may be a three-terminal element such as a transistor integratedin the display panel 100A. The switching element may be turned on or offdepending on a gate signal transferred by the gate line 121 toselectively transfer the data signal to the pixel electrode.

Each of the pixels PX may be configured to emit light of one of primarycolors or white light. Examples of the primary colors may include threeprimary colors of red, green, and blue. Other examples of the primarycolors may include yellow, cyan, and magenta.

The substrate 110 may include glass, plastic, etc. In some exemplaryembodiments, the substrate may be flexible. For example, the substrate110 may include various plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate(PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone, polyimide (PI), or thelike, or a metal thin film, glass, or the like.

The hole area HA may be disposed in the display area DA. The hole areaHA may be a region in which a hole is formed, such as by punching thesubstrate 110 of the display panel. The hole area HA may provide aregion for arranging devices such as a camera, a flash, a speaker, anoptical sensor, and the like in the display area DA.

The display area DA includes a hole crack detection line HCD that isarranged adjacent to the hole area HA. As shown in FIG. 1, the holecrack detection line HCD may have a first end N1 and a second end N2that are separated from each other. The hole crack detection line may beconfigured to surround a periphery of the hole area HA. For example, inone exemplary embodiment, the hole crack detection line HCD may surroundthe periphery of the hole area HA in an approximate shape of an invertedomega (Ω). The hole crack detection line HCD may be a wire configuredfor detecting a crack in the vicinity of the hole area HA.

The peripheral area PA may surround the display area DA and ispositioned outside of the display area DA. The peripheral area PA mayinclude a first detection line M1, a second detection line M2, a testvoltage line TVL, a detection control line DCL, a test controller 700,and a plurality of test pads P1, P2, and P3. The peripheral area PA mayinclude a gate driver (not illustrated) connected to the gate lines 121to output a gate signal.

The first detection line M1 may include a first detection transfer lineDT1 and a first detection receiving line DR1. The first detectiontransfer line DT1 may include a first end connected to the first testpad P1 and a second end connected to the first end N1 of the hole crackdetection line HCD. The first detection receiving line DR1 may include afirst end connected to the test controller 700 and a second endconnected to the second end N2 of the hole crack detection line HCD.

The first detection transfer line DT1 and the first detection receivingline DR1 may be disposed in the peripheral area PA at left and uppersides of the display area DA. The first detection transfer line DT1 andthe first detection receiving line DR1 may be connected to the holecrack detection line HCD. Each of the first detection transfer line DT1and the first detection receiving line DR1 may include a portion that isconfigured to extend within the peripheral area PA along a left edge ofthe display area DA and a portion that is configured to extend withinthe peripheral area PA along an upper edge of the display area DA. In anexemplary embodiment, the first detection transfer line DT1 and thefirst detection receiving line DR1 may extend in parallel on theperipheral area PA along an edge of the display area DA.

The second detection line M2 may include a second detection transferline DT2 and a second detection receiving line DR2. The second detectiontransfer line DT2 may include a first end connected to the second testpad P2 and a second end connected to the first end N1 of the hole crackdetection line HCD. The second detection receiving line DR2 may includea first end connected to the test controller 700 and a second endconnected to the second end N2 of the hole crack detection line HCD.

The second detection transfer line DT2 and the second detectionreceiving line DR2 may be disposed in the peripheral area PA along rightand upper sides of the display area DA. The second detection transferline DT2 and the second detection receiving line DR2 may be connected tothe hole crack detection line HCD. Each of the second detection transferline DT2 and the second detection receiving line DR2 may include aportion that is disposed in the peripheral area PA and is configured toextend along a right edge of the display area DA and a portion that isdisposed within the peripheral area PA and extends along an upper edgeof the display area DA. In an exemplary embodiment, the second detectiontransfer line DT2 and the second detection receiving line DR2 may extendin parallel on the peripheral area PA along an edge of the display areaDA.

The test voltage line TVL may include a first end connected to the firstdetection transfer line DT1 and a second end connected to the seconddetection transfer line DT2. The test voltage line TVL is configured toconnect the first detection transfer line DT1 and the second detectiontransfer line DT2 to each other. The test voltage line TVL may beconfigured to transfer detection voltages, which are applied to thefirst detection transfer line DT1 and the second detection transfer lineDT2 through the first test pad. P1 and the second test pad P2, to thetest controller 700.

A detection control line DCL may include a first end connected to thethird test pad P3 and a second end connected to the test controller 700.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first to third test pads P1, P2, and P3may be arranged along a lower edge of the substrate 110 in theperipheral area PA.

The test controller 700 may be disposed in the peripheral area PA of thedisplay panel 100A, and connected to a plurality of data lines 171. Thetest controller 700 may be configured to electrically connect the firstdetection receiving line DR1 to one of the data lines 171 andelectrically connect the second detection receiving line DR2 to anotherof the data lines 171. In an exemplary embodiment, the test controller700 may be formed directly on the substrate 110 together withconstituent elements such as transistors of the pixels PX. A data driver(not illustrated) may be connected to the data lines 171. The datadriver may be disposed in the peripheral area PA or on a printed circuitboard (PCB) etc. connected with the peripheral area PA. In an exemplaryembodiment, the test controller 700 may be disposed between the displayarea DA and the data driver. In this embodiment, the data lines 171 mayextend beyond the test controller 700 toward the data driver.

When test voltages are applied to the first, second and third test padsP1, P2, and P3, the test controller 700 may be configured to control thepixels PX connected to a first data line of the data lines 171 to emitlight in response to a voltage transferred through the first detectiontransfer line DT1, the hole crack detection line HCD, and the firstdetection receiving line DR1. When the test voltages are applied to thefirst, second and third test pads P1, P2, and P3, the test controller700 may be configured to control the pixels PX connected to a seconddata line of the data lines 171 to emit light in response to a voltagetransferred through the second detection transfer line DR2, the holecrack detection line HCD, and the second detection receiving line DR2. Afirst bright line may be displayed by the emission of light by thepixels PX connected to the first data line of the data lines 171. Asecond bright line may be displayed by the emission of light of thepixels PX connected to the second data line of the data lines 171. Thedisplay of the first bright line and/or the second bright line on thedisplay indicates the presence of hole cracks, first detection linedefects, second detection line defects, and/or the like. A detaileddescription of the method for inspection of such a display device willbe described later with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A to 5C.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display device takenalong a line II-II′ FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, a barrier layer 120 may be disposed on thesubstrate 110. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, thebarrier layer 120 may include a plurality of layers. Alternatively, thebarrier layer 120 may be formed as a single layer.

Active patterns 130 and 130 d may be disposed on the barrier layer 120.The active patterns 130 and 130 d may include an active pattern 130disposed in the display area DA and an active pattern 130 d disposed inthe peripheral area. PA. Each of the active patterns 130 and 130 d mayinclude a source region, a drain region, and a channel region disposedtherebetween. In exemplary embodiments, the active patterns may includeamorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, an oxide semiconductor, orthe like.

A first insulating layer 141 may be disposed on the active patterns 130and 130 d. A first conductive layer may be disposed on the firstinsulating layer 141. The first conductive layer may include a conductor155 that overlaps the active pattern 130 disposed in the display areaDA, a conductor 150 d that overlaps the active pattern 130 d disposed inthe peripheral area PA, and the gate lines 121 and the like describedabove.

The active pattern 130 of the display area DA and the conductor 155which overlaps such active pattern may constitute a transistor TRa whichfunctions as a switching element included in each pixel PX. The activepattern 130 d of the peripheral area PA and the conductor 150 d whichoverlaps such active pattern may constitute a transistor TRd whichfunctions as a switching element included in the gate driver.

A second insulating layer 142 may be disposed on the first conductivelayer and the first insulating layer 141. A second conductive layer maybe disposed on the second insulating layer 142. The second conductivelayer may include a first detection line M1, a second detection line M2,and a hole crack detection line HCD. According to an exemplaryembodiment, at least one of the first detection line M1 the seconddetection line M2, and the hole crack detection line HCD may be disposedin a conductive layer other than the second conductive layer. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment the hole crack detection line HCDmay be disposed in a fourth conductive layer or a fifth conductive layerto be described later.

A third insulating layer 160 may be disposed on the second conductivelayer and the second insulating layer 142.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first insulating layer141, the second insulating layer 142, and the third insulating layer 160may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride(SiNx), a silicon oxide (SiOx), and/or an organic insulating material.

The first insulating layer 141, the second insulating layer 142, and thethird insulating layer 160 may include contact holes 165 formed in thesource and/or drain regions of the transistors TRa and TRd.

A third conductive layer may be disposed on the third insulating layer160. The third conductive layer may include a conductor 170 connected tothe source region or the drain region of the transistors TRa and TRdthrough the contact holes 165, a voltage transfer line 177, and the dataline 171 as described above. The voltage transfer line 177 may bedisposed in the peripheral area PA to transfer a common voltage.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first conductive layer,the second conductive layer, and the third conductive layer is made of aconductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo),titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), and an alloy of at least two metalsthereof.

A passivation layer 180 may be formed on the third conductive layer andthe third insulating layer 160. The passivation layer 180 may include aninorganic insulating material and/or an organic insulating material. Inexemplary embodiments, the organic insulating material may include apolyacrylic resin, a polyimide-based resin, and the like. A top surfaceof the passivation layer 180 may be planarized. The passivation layer180 may have a contact hole formed on the voltage transfer line 177disposed in the peripheral area PA.

A pixel electrode layer may be disposed on the passivation layer 180.The pixel electrode layer may include a pixel electrode 191corresponding to each pixel PX in the display area and a voltagetransfer electrode 197 disposed in the peripheral area PA. The voltagetransfer electrode 197 may be physically and electrically connected tothe voltage transfer line 177 through a contact hole of the passivationlayer 180 to receive a common voltage. The pixel electrode layer mayinclude a transflective conductive material or a reflective conductivematerial.

A pixel definition layer 350 may be disposed on the passivation layer180 and the pixel electrode layer. The pixel definition layer 350 mayhave an opening 351 disposed on the pixel electrode 191, and at leastone dam portion 350 d disposed in the peripheral area PA. The damportion 350 d may extend along an edge of the substrate 110 in a planview. A spacer 360 d may be further disposed on the dam portion 350 d.The pixel definition layer 350 may include a photosensitive materialsuch as a polyacrylic resin or a polyimide-based resin.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first detection line M1 may be disposedoutside (e.g., on a side further away from the display area DA) withrespect to the dam portion 350 d. Similarly, the second detection lineM2 may be disposed outside the dam portion 350 d. According to anotherexemplary embodiment, the first detection line M1 and the seconddetection line M2 may be disposed inward (e.g., between the display areaDA and the dam portion 350 d) with respect to the dam portion 350 d.

The voltage transfer electrode 197 may include a portion that is notcovered by the pixel definition layer 350.

Art emission layer 370 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 191. Theemission layer 370 may include a portion disposed within the opening 351of the pixel definition layer 350. The emission layer 370 may furtherinclude at least one dummy emission layer 370 d disposed in theperipheral area PA and disposed on the pixel definition layer 350. Inexemplary embodiments, the emission layer 370 may include an organicemission material or an inorganic emission material.

A common electrode 270 may be disposed on the emission layer 370. Thecommon electrode 270 may also be formed on the pixel definition layer350 and continuously formed over the pixels PX. The common electrode 270may be physically and electrically connected to the voltage transferelectrode 197 in the peripheral area PA to receive a common voltage. Thecommon electrode 270 may include a conductive transparent material.

The pixel electrode 191, the emission layer 370, and the commonelectrode 270 of each pixel PX constitute a light emitting diode ED. Thepixel electrode 191 or the common electrode 270 may serve as an anodeand the other serves as a cathode.

An encapsulation portion 380 that is configured to protect andencapsulate the light emitting diode ED may be disposed on the commonelectrode 270. The encapsulation portion 380 may include at least one ofinorganic layers 381 and 383 and at least one organic layer 382. Atleast one of the inorganic layers 381 and 383 and at least one organiclayer 382 may be alternately stacked. The organic layer 382 may includean organic material and may have a planarizing property. In an exemplaryembodiment, the inorganic layers 381 and 383 may be made of an inorganicmaterial such as an aluminum oxide (AlOx), a silicon oxide (SiOx), asilicon nitride (SiNx), and a silicon oxynitride (SiON).

A planar area of the inorganic layers 381 and 383 may be wider than thatof the organic layer 382 which allows the two inorganic layers 381 and383 to contact each other in the peripheral area PA. In an exemplaryembodiment, the inorganic layer 381 disposed at a lowest position of theinorganic layers 381 and 383 may contact an upper surface of the thirdinsulating layer 160 in the peripheral area PA. However, the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

An edge of the organic layer 382 included in the encapsulation portion380 may be disposed between the dam portion 350 d and the display areaDA. The dam portion 350 d may function to prevent the organic materialfrom flowing out when the organic layer 382 of the encapsulation portion380 is formed.

In an exemplary embodiment, a buffer layer 389 including an inorganicinsulating material and/or an organic insulating material may bedisposed on the encapsulation portion 380. However, the buffer layer 389may be omitted.

A fourth conductive layer may be disposed on the buffer layer 389. Thefourth conductive layer may include a first touch conductor TEa. A firsttouch insulation layer 391 may be disposed on the fourth conductivelayer. A fifth conductive layer may be disposed on the first touchinsulation layer 391. The fifth conductive layer may include a secondtouch conductor TEb. A second touch insulating layer 392 may be disposedon the fifth conductive layer. The first touch conductor TEa and thesecond touch conductor TEb constitute a capacitive touch sensor, and maybe configured to detect touch information such as touch existence ortouch position when an external object is touched.

Hereinafter, a test controller will be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 3 as well as FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3, the data lines 171 of FIG. 1 include m data lines DL1 to DLm,e.g., DL1, DL2, DL3 . . . DL(k−1), DL(k), DL(k+1) . . . DL(m−2),DL(m−1), DLm.

Referring to FIG. 3, the test controller 700 includes a plurality oftest transistors T1 to Tm, e.g., T1, T2, T3 . . . T(k−1), T(k), T(k+1) .. . T(m−2), T(m−1), Tm. The test controller 700 may include a number oftest transistors T1 to Tm corresponding to the number m of a pluralityof data lines DL1 to DLm. Each of the test transistors T1 to Tm may berespectively connected to the data lines DL1 to DLm. The testtransistors T1 to Tm may be formed on the substrate 110 together withthe transistors TRa and TRd described in FIG. 2.

Each gate electrode of the test transistors T1 to Tm may be connected tothe detection control line DCL. First electrodes of the test transistorsT1 to Tm may be respectively connected to the data lines DL1 to DLm. Asecond electrode of a (k−1)^(th) test transistor T(k−1) of the testtransistors T1 to Tm may be connected to the first detection receivingline DR1, a second electrode of a (k+1)^(th) test transistor T(k+1) maybe connected to the second detection receiving line DR2, and secondelectrodes of the other test transistors are connected to test voltagelines TVL. Herein, k may be substantially m/2 so that the transistors(e.g., T(k−1) and T(k+1)) connected to data lines (e.g., DL(k−1) andDL(k+1)) are disposed at a substantially central portion of the displayarea DA among the data lines DL1 to DLm.

Hereinafter, among the test transistors T1 to Tm, the test transistorT(k−1) connected to the first detection receiving line DR1 is referredto as a first bright-line transistor. The test transistor T(k+1)connected to the second detection receiving line DR2 is referred to as asecond bright-line transistor. The data line DL(k−1) connected to thefirst bright-line transistor is referred to as a first test data line.The data line DL(k+1) connected to the second bright-line transistor isreferred to as a second test data line.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the data line DL(k−1)connected to the first bright-line transistor and the data line DL(k+1)connected to the second bright-line transistor are separated by one dataline DLk. However, the first bright-line transistor and the secondbright-line transistor may be connected to data lines which areseparated by a plurality of data lines. The interval between the firsttest data line connected to the first bright-line transistor and thesecond test data line connected to the second bright-line transistor maybe configured so that the first bright line and the second bright linemay be distinguished from the center of the display area. DA by thenaked eye.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of test transistors T1 to Tm maybe p-channel electric field effect transistors. A gate-on voltage forturning on the p-channel field-effect transistors is a low-levelvoltage, and a gate-off voltage for turning off the p-channelfield-effect transistors is a high-level voltage. According to anexemplary embodiment, a plurality of test transistors T1 to Tm may ben-channel electric field effect transistors. A gate-on voltage forturning on the n-channel field-effect transistors is a high-levelvoltage, and a gate-off voltage for turning off the n-channelfield-effect transistors is a low-level voltage. Hereinafter, anexemplary embodiment in which the test transistors T1 to Tm are thep-channel electric field effect transistors will be described. Inaddition, a transistor TRa included in each of the pixels PX may be ap-channel electric field effect transistor.

Hereinafter, an inspecting method of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C as well as FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C, during a test period t1-t2of the display device, a first test voltage P1(V) of a high level (H)may be applied to the first test pad P1, a second test voltage P2(V) ofa high level may be applied to the second test pad P2, and a third testvoltage P3(V) of a gate-on voltage may be applied to the third test padP3. The first test voltage P1(V) and the second test voltage P2(V) mayhave a same level of voltage. The third test voltage P3(V) may be avoltage that is different from the first test voltage P1(V) and thesecond test voltage P2(V).

The third test voltage P3(V) applied to the third test pad P3 may beapplied to gate electrodes of the test transistors T1 to Tm included inthe test controller 700 through the detection control line DCL. Thethird test voltage P3(V) of the gate-on voltage may be a low levelvoltage (L) since the test transistors T1 to Tm are the p-channelelectric field effect transistors. The test transistors T1 to Tm may beturned on by the third test voltage P3(V) of the gate-on voltage.

During the test period t1-t2, the gate driver may apply a gate signal ofa gate-on voltage to the gate lines 121. As the gate signal of thegate-on voltage is applied to the pixels PX, the first and second testvoltages P1(V) and P2(V) of high level voltages that are transferred tothe data lines DL1 to DLm through the test transistors T1 to Tm whichare turned on may be written in the pixels PX. The first and second testvoltages P1(V) and P2(V) of the high level voltages turn off thetransistor TRa (e.g., the driving transistor connected to the pixelelectrode 191) included in each of the pixels PX, so that the pixels PXexpress black (do not emit light).

However, when a crack occurs in at least one of the first detection lineM1, the second detection line M2, and the hole crack detection line HCD,the low level voltage may be applied to at least one of a first testdata line and a second test data line by a voltage drop due to anincrease of wire resistance. Accordingly, the pixels PX connected to thefirst test data line or the second test data line may emit white orgray.

For example, the first test voltage P1(V) of the high level voltageapplied to the first test pad P1 may be applied to a second electrode ofthe first bright-line transistor through the first detection transferline DT1, the hole crack detection line HCD, and the first detectionreceiving line DR1, and is transferred to the first test data linethrough the first bright-line transistor. When a crack occurs in atleast one of the first detection line M1 and the hole crack detectionline HCD, a low level voltage that is lower than the first test voltageP1(V) may be applied to the first test data line by the voltage drop dueto the increase of wire resistance. The first test voltage P1(V) of thehigh level voltage is changed to the low level voltage by a crack of atleast one of the first detection line M1 and the hole crack detectionline HCD. Therefore, the pixels PX connected to the first test data lineemit white or gray corresponding to the low level voltage. Asillustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, a pixel array PC(k−1) including thepixels PX connected to the first test data line may be visuallyrecognized as a first bright line.

For example, the second test voltage P2(V) of the high level voltageapplied to the second test pad P2 is applied to a second electrode ofthe second bright-line transistor through the second detection transferline DT2, the hole crack detection line HCD, and the second detectionreceiving line DR2, and is transferred to the second test data linethrough the second bright-line transistor. When a crack occurs in atleast one of the second detection line M2 and the hole crack detectionline HCD, a low level voltage that is lower than the second test voltageP2(V) may be applied to the second test data line by the voltage dropdue to the increase of wire resistance. The second test voltage P2(V) ofthe high level voltage is changed to the low level voltage by a crack ofat least one of the second detection line M2 and the hole crackdetection line HCD. Therefore, the pixels PX connected to the secondtest data line emit white or gray corresponding to the low levelvoltage. As illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C, a pixel array PC(k+1)including the pixels PX connected to the second test data line may bevisually recognized as a second bright line.

When both of the first bright line and the second bright line arevisually recognized as illustrated in FIG. 5A, this indicates that acrack has occurred in the hole crack detection line HCD, which may bedetermined to be a hole crack defect. While a crack may occur in boththe first detection line M1 and the second detection line M2, it isextremely rare for a crack to occur in both the first detection line M1and the second detection line M2 in the manufacturing process of thedisplay panel 100A. Accordingly, when both of the first bright line andthe second bright line are visually recognized, it indicates that acrack has occurred in the vicinity of the hole area HA, which may bedetermined as a hole crack defect.

When the second bright line is not visually recognized and the firstbright line is visually recognized as illustrated in FIG. 5B, thisindicates that a crack has not occurred in the second detection line M2or the hole crack detection line HCD. The appearance of the first brightline on the display indicates that there is a defect of the firstdetection line M1 This may be determined as a crack that has occurred inthe vicinity of an edge of the display panel 100A in which the firstdetection line M1 extends.

When the first bright line is not visually recognized, but the secondbright line is visually recognized as illustrated in FIG. 5C, a crackdoes not occur in the first detection line M1 or the hole crackdetection line HCD. The appearance of the second bright line may bedetermined as a defect of the second detection line M2. The defect maybe determined to be a crack that has occurred in the vicinity of an edgeof the display panel 100A in which the second detection line M2 extends.

Hereinafter, a display device according to another exemplary embodimentof the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 toFIG. 8, and an inspecting method of a display device according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIG. 9. Differences from the aforementioned exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 will be mainly described.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of a display device according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along aline VII-VII′ of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit diagram showing atest controller included in the display device of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 showsexamples of test results displayed in the display area when a testvoltage is applied to the display device of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 illustratesa top plan view showing a display panel cut along a perforated line CLin the display device of FIG. 6.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of the display panel 100B shown inFIG. 6, the peripheral area PA may include a bendable area BA that isconfigured to be bent. For example, the bendable area BA may be an areain which the display panel 100B can be bent rearward or frontward.Although the bendable area BA is illustrated as being disposed below thedisplay area DA in the peripheral area PA in the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 6, the position, size and number of the bendable area BAare not limited thereto.

The peripheral area PA may include a third detection line M3, a fourthdetection line M4, a fifth detection line M5, and a sixth detection lineM6 which may not be connected to the hole crack detection line HCD.

The third detection line M3 may include a first end connected to thefourth test pad P4 and a second end connected to a test controller 700′.The third detection line M3 may be disposed in the peripheral area PA atleft and upper sides of the display area DA. The third detection line M3may be configured to extend from the fourth test pad P4 within theperipheral area PA along a left edge of the display area DA in thesecond direction D2. The third detection line M3 may then turn at thevicinity of an edge of the display panel 100B to extend along an upperedge of the display area. DA in the first direction D1, and may turn ata central portion of the upper edge of the display area DA to return andto be connected to the test controller 700′. The third detection line M3may be disposed outside of the first detection line M1. For example, thefirst detection line M1 may be disposed between the third detection lineM3 and the display area DA, and the third detection line M3 may bedisposed closer to an edge of the substrate 110 than the first detectionline M1.

The fourth detection line M4 may include a first end connected to thefifth test pad P5 and a second end connected to the test controller700′. The fourth detection line M4 may be disposed in the peripheralarea PA at right and upper sides of the display area DA. The fourthdetection line M4 may be configured to extend from the fifth test pad P5within the peripheral area PA along a right edge of the display area DAin the second direction D2, and then may turn at the vicinity of an edgeof the display panel 100B to extend along an upper edge of the displayarea DA in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. The fourthdetection line M4 may turn at a central portion of the upper edge of thedisplay area DA to return and to be connected to the test controller700′. The fourth detection line M4 may be disposed outside of the seconddetection line M2. For example, the second detection line M2 may bedisposed between the fourth detection line M4 and the display area DA,and the fourth detection line M4 may be disposed closer to an edge ofthe substrate 110 than the second detection line M2.

The fifth detection line M5 may include a first end connected to thesixth test pad P6 and a second end connected to the test controller700′. The sixth detection line MG may include a first end connected tothe seventh test pad P7 and a second end connected to the testcontroller 700′. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth detection line M5and the sixth detection line M6 may be disposed in the bendable area BA.For example, the fifth detection line M5 may be disposed in the bendablearea BA at a left edge of the display area DA, and the sixth detectionline M6 may be disposed in the bendable area BA at a right edge of thedisplay area DA. The fifth detection line M5 may extend from the sixthtest pad P6 to the bendable area BA at the left edge of the substrate110, and then may return and connect to the test controller 700′. Thesixth detection line M6 may extend from the seventh test pad P7 to thebendable area BA at the right edge of the substrate 110, and then mayreturn to be connected to the test controller 700′.

The third test pad P3, the fourth test pad P4, the fifth test pad P5,the sixth test pad P6, and the seventh test pad P7 may be arranged inthe first direction D1 along a lower edge of the substrate 110 in theperipheral area PA.

Meanwhile, a portion of the peripheral area PA of the substrate 110 maybe cut along a perforated line CL after the test process of the displaydevice. FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the peripheral area PA of thesubstrate 110 before being cut along the perforated line CL in anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of the peripheralarea PA of the substrate 110 after being cut along the perforated lineCL in an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the perforatedline CL may be disposed in the peripheral area PA and may be positionedcloser to the lower edge of the substrate 110 than the third to seventhtest pads P3 to P7. The perforated line CL may extend in the firstdirection D1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first test pad P1 and the second testpad P2 may be disposed on a portion of the peripheral area PA of thesubstrate 110 which is removed by being cut along the perforated lineCL. The first test pad P1 and the second test pad P2 may be disposed ina position that is closer to the lower edge of the substrate 110 thanthe perforated line CL.

The fourth test pad P4 and the sixth test pad PG may be connected to thefirst test pad P1. The first detection transfer line DT1 connected tothe first test pad P1 may extend from the first test pad P1 toward aportion between the fourth test pad P4 and the sixth test pad P6. Thefifth test pad P5 and the seventh test pad P7 may be connected to thesecond test pad P2. The second detection transfer line DT2 connected tothe second test pad P2 may extend from the second test pad P2 toward aportion between the fifth test pad P5 and the seventh test pad P7.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the displaydevice may be tested by applying the first test voltage P1(V) to thefirst test pad P1, the second test voltage P2(V) to the second test padP2, and the third test voltage P3(V) to the third test pad P3. As aresult, the first test pad P1 may serve as a first common test pad thatmay apply the first test voltage P1(V) to the first detection line M1,the third detection line M3, and the fifth detection line M5. The secondtest pad P2 may serve as a second common test pad that may apply thesecond test voltage P2(V) to the second detection line M2, the fourthdetection line M4, and the sixth detection line M6.

In addition, as the first test pad P1 and the second test pad P2 areremoved after the test process of the display device, the firstdetection transfer line DT1 extends toward a portion between the fourthtest pad P4 and the sixth test pad P6, and the second detection transferline DT2 extends toward a portion between the fifth test pad. P5 and theseventh test pad P7. However, it is possible to reduce the region fortest pads and wires for a test process of the display device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first detection line M1 and the seconddetection line M2 may be disposed in different conductive layers fromthe third detection line M3 and the fourth detection line M4. Asillustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the thirddetection line M3 may be disposed in the second conductive layer.Similarly, the fourth detection line M4 may also be disposed in thesecond conductive layer. In this embodiment, the first detection line M1may be disposed in the fourth conductive layer. Similarly, the seconddetection line M2 may also be disposed in the fourth conductive layer.The first detection line M1 and the second detection line M2 may bedisposed inward with respect to the dam portion 350 d (e.g., between thedisplay area DA and the dam portion 350 d).

In another exemplary embodiment, the first detection line M1 and thesecond detection line M2 may be disposed in the same second conductivelayer as the third detection line M3 and the fourth detection line M4.In this embodiment, the first detection line M1 and the second detectionline M2 may be disposed in parallel with the third detection line M3 andthe fourth detection line M4 at the inside or outside of the dam portion350 d.

Referring to FIG. 8, among the test transistors T1 to Tm included in thetest controller 700′, a second electrode of the (k−a)^(th) testtransistor T(k−a) may be connected to the third detection line M3, asecond electrode of the (k+a)^(th) test transistor T(k+a) may beconnected to the fourth detection line M4, a second electrode of thesecond test transistor T2 may be connected to the fifth detection lineM5, and a second electrode of the (m−1)^(th) test transistor T(m−1) maybe connected to the sixth detection line M6. Herein, “k−a” is greaterthan 3 and smaller than “k−1”, and “k+a” is greater than “k+1” andsmaller than “m−2”.

Hereinafter, among the test transistors T1 to Tm included in the testcontroller 700′, the test transistor T(k−a) connected to the thirddetection line M3 is referred to as a third bright-line transistor. Thetest transistor T(k+a) connected to the fourth detection line M4 isreferred to as a fourth bright-line transistor. The test transistor T2connected to the fifth detection line M5 is referred to as a fifthbright-line transistor, and the test transistor T(m−1) connected to thesixth detection line M6 is referred to as a sixth bright-linetransistor. In addition, the data line DL(k−a) connected to the thirdbright-line transistor is referred to as a third test data line. Thedata line DL(k+a) connected to the fourth bright-line transistor isreferred to as a fourth test data line. The data line DL2 connected tothe fifth bright-line transistor is referred to as a fifth test dataline. The data line DL(m−1) is referred to as a sixth test data line.

For testing the display device, the first test voltage P1(V) may beapplied to the first test pad P1, the second test voltage P2(V) may beapplied to the second test pad P2, and the third test voltage P3(V) maybe applied to the third test pad P3. In this case, the first testvoltage P1(V) may be written in the pixels PX connected to the thirdtest data line through the third detection line M3 and the thirdbright-line transistor. The second test voltage P2(V) may be written inthe pixels PX connected to the fourth test data line through the fourthdetection line M4 and the fourth bright-line transistor. The first testvoltage P1(V) may be written in the pixels PX connected to the fifthtest data line through the fifth detection line M5 and the fifthbright-line transistor. The second test voltage P2(V) may be written inthe pixels PX connected to the sixth test data line through the sixthdetection line M6 and the sixth bright-line transistor.

When a crack occurs in the third detection line M3, a pixel arrayPC(k−a) including the pixels PX connected to the third test data linemay be visually recognized as a third bright line as illustrated in FIG.9. When the third bright line is visually recognized, it is indicativeof a crack defect at a left edge or an upper edge of the display panel100B.

When a crack occurs in the fourth detection line M4, a pixel arrayPC(k+a) including the pixels PX connected to the fourth test data linemay be visually recognized as a fourth bright line as illustrated inFIG. 9. When the fourth bright line is visually recognized, it isindicative of a crack defect at a right edge or the upper edge of thedisplay panel 100B.

When a crack occurs in the fifth detection line M5, a pixel array PC2including the pixels PX connected to the fifth test data line may bevisually recognized as a fifth bright line as illustrated in FIG. 9.When the fifth bright line is visually recognized, it is indicative of acrack defect in a left portion of the bendable area BA of the displaypanel 100B.

When a crack occurs in the sixth detection line M6, a pixel arrayPC(m−1) including the pixels PX connected to the sixth test data linemay be visually recognized as a sixth bright line as illustrated in FIG.9. When the sixth bright line is visually recognized, it is indicativeof a crack defect in a right portion of the bendable area BA of thedisplay panel 100B.

As the first bright line and the second bright line are disposed at acentral portion of the display area DA, the fifth bright line and thesixth bright line are disposed at a left edge and a right edge withinthe display area DA, and the third bright line and the fourth brightline are disposed at a left central portion and a right central portionwithin the display area DA, it is possible for the user to easilydetermine which portion of the display panel 100B has a crack defectwhen the display device is visually tested.

Except for these differences, the features of the exemplary embodimentsdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 may be applied to all of theexemplary embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 6-10, so aredundant description is omitted among the exemplary embodiments.

While exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept have beenparticularly shown and described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, the specific terms used herein are only for the purpose ofdescribing the inventive concept and are not intended to define themeanings thereof or be limiting of the scope of the inventive conceptset forth in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art willunderstand that various modifications and other equivalent embodimentsof the present inventive concept are possible. Consequently, the truetechnical protective scope of the present inventive concept must bedetermined based on the technical spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display area thatincludes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of data lines connectedto the pixels; a hole area disposed within the display area; a detectionline surrounding the hole area and having a first end and a second endthat are separated from each other; a first input line connected to thefirst end of the detection line; a first output line connected to thesecond end of the detection line; a second input line connected to thefirst end of the detection line; a second output line connected to thesecond end of the detection line; and a controller configured toelectrically connect the first output line to one of the plurality ofdata lines and the second output line to another one of the plurality ofthe data lines.
 2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: atest voltage line that includes a first end connected to the first inputline and a second end connected to the second input line.
 3. The displaydevice of claim 2, wherein: the controller includes a first testtransistor and a second test transistor, a first electrode of the firsttest transistor is connected to a first data line, a second electrode ofthe first test transistor is connected to the first output line, a firstelectrode of the second test transistor is connected to a second dataline, and a second electrode of the second test transistor is connectedto the second output line.
 4. The display device of claim 3, wherein thecontroller further includes a third test transistor, a first electrodeof the third test transistor is connected to a third data line, and asecond electrode of the third test transistor is connected to the testvoltage line.
 5. The display device of claim 3, wherein: pixelsconnected to the first data line connected to the first test transistorare configured to emit light when a crack occurs in the detection lineto display a first bright line; and pixels connected to the second dataline connected to the second test transistor are configured to emitlight when a crack occurs in the detection line to display a secondbright line.
 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the first brightline and the second bright line are disposed at a central portion of thedisplay area.
 7. The display device of claim 3, wherein: the first inputline is connected to a first test pad to which a first test voltage isapplied; and the second input ne is connected to a second test pad towhich a second test voltage is applied.
 8. The display device of claim4, further comprising: a detection control line configured to have afirst end connected to a third test pad and a second end connected to agate electrode of each of the first test transistor, the second testtransistor, and the third test transistor.
 9. The display device ofclaim 8, further comprising: a first side detection line which includesa first end that is connected to a fourth test pad, and a second sidedetection line configured to have a first end that s connected to afifth test pad, wherein the controller further includes a fourth testtransistor and a fifth test transistor, wherein a first electrode of thefourth test transistor is connected to a fourth data line, wherein afirst electrode of the fifth test transistor is connected to a fifthdata line, wherein the first side detection line is configured to extendalong an edge of a first side of the display area and return to connecta second electrode of the fourth test transistor, and wherein the secondside detection line is configured to extend along an edge of a secondside of the display area and return to connect to a second electrode ofthe fifth test transistor.
 10. The display device of claim 9, furthercomprising: a bendable area disposed around the display area; a firstbendable area detection line that includes a first end that is connectedto a sixth test pad, and a second bendable area detection line thatincludes a first end that is connected to a seventh test pad, whereinthe controller further includes a sixth test transistor and a seventhtest transistor, wherein a first electrode of the sixth test transistoris connected to a sixth data line, wherein a first electrode of theseventh test transistor is connected to a seventh data line, wherein thefirst bendable area detection line is configured to extend to thebendable area and return to connect to a second electrode of the sixthtest transistor, and wherein the second bendable area detection line isconfigured to extend to the bendable area and return to connect to asecond electrode of the seventh test transistor.
 11. The display deviceof claim 10, wherein: the fourth test pad and the sixth test pad areconnected to the first test pad, wherein the first test pad serves as afirst common test pad; and the fifth test pad and the seventh test padare connected to the second test pad, wherein the second test pad servesas a second common test pad.
 12. The display device of claim 11,wherein: the first input line is configured to extend to a portionbetween the fourth test pad and the sixth test pad, and the second inputline is configured to extend to a portion between the fifth test pad andthe seventh test pad.
 13. The display device of claim 11, wherein:pixels connected to the fourth data line connected to the fourth testtransistor are configured to emit light when a crack occurs in the firstside detection line, pixels connected to the fifth data line connectedto the fifth test transistor are configured to emit light when a crackoccurs in the second side detection line, pixels connected to the sixthdata line connected to the sixth test transistor are configured to emitlight when a crack occurs in the first bendable area detection line, andpixels connected to the seventh data line connected to the seventh testtransistor are configured to emit light when a crack occurs in thesecond bendable area detection line.
 14. The display device of claim 13,wherein: the second end of the detection control line is also connectedto a gate electrode of each of the fourth, test transistor, the fifthtest transistor, the sixth test transistor, and the seventh testtransistor.